Immigration Rally Draws Big Crowd

Pro-immigration supporters flow onto the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (AP Photo/The Washington Post, Linda Davidson)

The crowd on the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn could be heard from blocks away chanting “si se puede” — the Spanish equivalent of “yes we can” — at a Wednesday afternoon rally to demand that Congress act now on immigration legislation.

Protesters of all ages waved a sea of small U.S. flags at the “Time is Now” rally, some purchased for $5 each from roving vendors. Others carried a variety of signs to convey their demands. Among the messages: “Education Not Deportation,” “Time is Now” and “No More Families Torn Apart.”

“We are making it crystal clear that we’re not waiting,” Service Employees International Union President Mary Kay Henry said in an interview shortly before a number of speakers, including her, took to the podium at 3 p.m.

Ms. Henry said the biggest hurdle to passing a bill that would allow the estimated 11 million immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally to earn U.S. citizenship is “a small group of extremist right-wing legislators.” She warned that they’ll be voted out of office in congressional midterm elections next year if they don’t acquiesce, and said labor groups and others are prepared to engage in acts of civil disobedience, if necessary. Ms. Henry commended President Barack Obama for his leadership on immigration but said he needs to “keep his foot on the gas … he can’t let up.”

Ms. Henry’s SEIU was one of the rally’s hosts, along with Casa de Maryland, a Maryland advocacy group for low-income Latinos and other immigrant communities. The event was also supported by local and national organizations from the labor, faith, and civil-rights communities. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops held a Mass Wednesday morning at a nearby church for out-of-towners and locals attending the event.

Other speakers included Casa de Maryland’s Executive Director Gustavo Torres and Wade Henderson, the president and chief executive of the Leadership Council on Civil and Human Rights. Many of the speeches were delivered in Spanish. At one point, several lawmakers stepped out on the Capitol’s balcony to observe.

The rally was held as eight senators continue working on writing a broad immigration bill. Sen. Bob Menendez (D., N.J.), who is one of the eight, attended the rally and made brief remarks in support.

Some attendees, includingEddy Hernandez, a 30-year-old Maryland resident who immigrated from Guatemala 10 years ago, said they want the opportunity to earn U.S. citizenship and create “a better life, a better future.”

Others, including Sammy Padilla, a 22-year old from Maryland, said they are already U.S. citizens but are fighting on behalf of relatives who aren’t. “I’m fighting for my mom” who is from Honduras and has been in the U.S. for 20 years but hasn’t been able to gain citizenship, said Mr. Padilla. He said he helps his aunt operate a housecleaning business, and is working toward getting his GED. Sporting a rainbow patterned scarf around his neck, Mr. Padilla is also gay and wants immigration legislation to include a path for citizenship for “everyone.”

NumbersUSA , a grassroots group that’s fighting against the immigration proposal the eight senators are drafting, said there are already millions of Americans who want jobs but can’t find them.

“There ought to be a rally for the 20 million Americans who can’t find a full-time job,” said Roy Beck, NumbersUSA president. “If the Gang of Eight could look out on the mall and see all those Americans shut out of the job market, would they really make their highest priority a bill to immediately give work permits to 7 million illegal-alien workers while increasing visas for new foreign labor?”

About Washington Wire

Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.